Brown,who was criticised in the independent review into Barilaro’s appointment conducted by former public service commissioner Graeme Head,will remain as the department secretary. A newly appointed Investment NSW CEO would report to her.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Premier and Cabinet said formal discussions between secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter and Brown about the findings of the Head review were on hold while Brown remained on leave.
“That process has been paused for four weeks as Ms Brown has taken leave following the intense public examination of her role in the[trade commissioner] recruitment process. Her privacy should be respected at this time.”
The review found Brown factored in the preference of then trade minister Stuart Ayres – despite never being directed to do so – consulting him on advertising the role,candidate shortlists and arranging a meeting for him and a candidate.
It was Brown’s decision to separate the roles ahead of Premier Dominic Perrottet releasing the Head review last Tuesday. However,her August 11 decision was not publicly confirmed until Tuesday.
In a statement released on Tuesday,Investment NSW said it “can confirm that Amy Brown has not resigned from her role as CEO,nor is it a requirement under the GSE[government sector employment] Act.
“But rather,due to the scale and significant nature of the work involved in both positions,the role of Investment CEO has been separated out from the secretary role description,title and accountabilities.”